New Granite 400-metre 5.7 in Quebec’s Palissades

There’s a new 10-pitch climb in Quebec which is a contender for one of the longest bolted climbs in the eastern climbing areas of North America.

Patrick Brouillard and Charles Lacroix, with the help of François-Guy Thivierge, made the first ascent of the 400-metre 5.7 they’ve called Sport 400.

It’s located at Grandes Dalles of Palissades de Charlevoix and can be climbed in seven pitches, but is rigged for 10.

The first ascent team thanks the FQME and Agence Michel Quesnel for the ongoing support of access and new routes in the area. The apporach takes about 30 minutes and you only need 14 quickdraws, two extendable draws, helmets and one rope. It can be climbed in seven pitches.

Closer to the welcome centre of the park is a four-pitch 5.7 called L’Arête that is fully bolted. Palissades de Charlevoix also has a popular via ferrata which attracts countless tourists every year.

To get to the area, head north from Québec City on route 138. Take the road all the way to Saint-Siméon and then go west on route 170 for 12 kilometres to the parking area.